Keepsake game

ABSTRACT

A bracelet kit ( 10 ) for constructing a bracelet ( 70 ) as a group activity at a party or other such gathering. A plurality of beads ( 12,14 ) and a charm ( 18 ) are strung onto a bead string ( 16 ) according to an instruction sheet ( 50 ). Participants record sentiments ( 41 ) along with their names ( 39 ) on a sentiment sheet ( 30 ), as a part of the activity. The bracelet ( 70 ) and the sentiment sheet ( 30 ) are retained as a keepsake by the guest of honor at the activity.

[0001] A portion of the disclosure of the patent document containsmaterial which may be subject to copyright protection. The owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction of the patent disclosure, as itappears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or the recordsof any country, but otherwise reserves all rights whatsoever.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of games and amusementactivities and methods. The predominant current usage of the presentinventive keepsake game is in the creation of a keepsake (e.g., abracelet, necklace, etc.) through a process that is enjoyable to theparticipants.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] It is known in the art to play games, or to do other types ofgroup activities; at events such as baptisms, wedding showers, bridalshowers, baby showers, and the like. Such games are usually strictly forthe amusement of the participants. There is, therefore, generally noremnant or reminder of the activity which will commemorate the activity.To the inventor's knowledge, no prior art game or activity, intended forsuch events, will result in a keepsake which can be kept and used toremember the event and the persons who participated.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0004] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to providea process for creating a keepsake which is enjoyable to theparticipants.

[0005] It is another object of the present invention to provide a methodfor creating a keepsake which is appropriate for group participation.

[0006] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide akit for facilitating a party activity.

[0007] It is still another object of the present invention to provide akeepsake and corresponding record of sentiments.

[0008] Briefly, one particular embodiment of the present invention is akit for creating a bracelet as a group activity, and further forrecording a thought or sentiment of each participant. The kit contains aplurality of beads, a bead sting and a charm, all contained in a bag. Aninstruction sheet guides participants in the group activity which willresult in a bracelet keepsake, and a sentiment sheet is included uponwhich the participants record their sentiments, according to theinstruction sheet. Each record on the sentiment sheet corresponds to oneof the beads on the bracelet.

[0009] These and other objects and advantages of the present inventionwill become clear to those skilled in the art in view of the descriptionof modes of carrying out the invention, and the industrial applicabilitythereof, as described herein and as illustrated in the several figuresof the drawing. The objects and advantages listed are not an exhaustivelist of all possible advantages of the invention. Moreover, it will bepossible to practice the invention even where one or more of theintended objects and/or advantages might be absent or not required inthe application.

[0010] Further, those skilled in the art will recognize that variousembodiments of the present invention may achieve one or more, but notnecessarily all, of the above described objects and advantages.Accordingly, the objects and/or advantages discussed herein are notessential elements of the present invention, and should not be construedas limitations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of a bracelet kit,according to the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of the beads of FIG. 1;

[0013]FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a sentiment sheet, accordingto the present invention;

[0014]FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an instruction sheet, according to thepresent invention; and

[0015]FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic elevational view of a bracelet, accordingto the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The embodiments and variations of the invention described herein,and/or shown in the drawings, are presented by way of example only andare not limiting as to the scope of the invention. Unless otherwisespecifically stated, individual aspects and components of the inventionmay be omitted or modified, or may have substituted therefore knownequivalents, or as yet unknown substitutes such as may be developed inthe future, or such as may be found to be acceptable substitutes in thefuture. The invention may also be modified for a variety of applicationswhile remaining within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention,since the range of potential applications is great, and since it isintended that the present invention be adaptable to many suchvariations.

[0017] A known mode for carrying out the invention is a bracelet kit.The inventive bracelet kit is depicted in a perspective view in FIG. 1and is designated therein by the general reference character 10. Thebracelet kit 10 has a has a plurality (seventeen, in the example shown)of a first type bead 12, a plurality (fifteen, in the example shown) ofa second type bead 14, a bead string 16, a charm 18, and a bag 20 forcontaining the above listed components. According to one embodiment ofthe invention, the bead string 16 is supplied with a knot 22 in the endthereof, and further with a first bead 12 a (which, in the exampleshown, is one of the first type beads 12) already strung thereonto.Although it is not a necessary aspect of the invention, in theembodiment shown in the view of FIG. 1, the bead string 16 is somewhatelastic.

[0018]FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of examples of the beads 12 and14 showing an aperture 24 therethrough. The aperture 24 is sized toaccept the bead string 16 (FIG. 1). The beads 12 and 14 can be ofessentially any type. In one example of the invention the first typebeads 12 are relatively round, made of a crystal type glass, and havesilver appurtenances, while the second type beads 14 are generally ovaland made of silver. However, these are not limitations of the invention.Indeed, it is within the scope of the invention to use a variety ofdifferent type beads. That is, it is not absolutely necessary that allof the first type beads 12 or the second type beads 14 be identical toall of the others of the same type. One such variation might be toprovide all of the first type beads 12 in the same size and/or shape,but in different colors.

[0019]FIG. 3 is a generic example of a sentiment sheet 30. According toone example of the present invention, the sentiment sheet 30 will have atitle 32. The title 32 will vary according to the purpose for which thebracelet kit 10 is intended. For example, where the bracelet kit 10 isintended for use at a baptism, then the title 32 will read, “BAPTISMALREMEMBRANCE BRACELET,” or the like. A version of bracelet kit 10 whichcould be used for a variety of occasions could have a title 32 whichreads. “WISH AND REMEBRANCE BRACELET,” or the like. The sentiment sheet30 can optionally be decorated with designs, a watermark, pictures, orthe like, such as might be appropriate for the intended purpose of thebracelet kit 10.

[0020] A name caption 34 indicates that participants should enter theirnames 35 thereunder. Each name 35 corresponds to (or represents) aparticipant, or user, in the process. A sentiment caption 36 indicatesthat participants should enter a wish, words of wisdom, special thought,a prayer, or the like thereunder. Examples of the actual text of thesentiment caption 36 could be, “WISH/WORDS OF WISDOM,” “SPECIALTHOUGHT/PRAYER,” or the like, depending upon the occasion for which thebracelet kit 10 is intended. As can be seen in the view of FIG. 3, aplurality (nineteen, in this present example) of name spaces 38 areprovided for entering the names 35, and a like plurality of sentimentspaces 40 are provided for entering corresponding sentiments 37.

[0021]FIG. 4 is an example of an instruction sheet 50 shown in the formof a flow chart. The actual instruction sheet will be written inordinary prose such that the participants can readily read and followthe instructions. The actual text of each example of the instructionsheet 50 will vary slightly, according to the purpose for which thebracelet kit 10 is intended. One skilled in the art can readily adaptthe instructions to refer to the type of event, as necessary ordesirable. In a draw bead instruction 52, participants are directed toselect a bead 12 or 14 from the bag. In an add bead instruction 54participants are directed to string the bead 12 or 14 they have selectedonto bead string 16. In one particular embodiment of the invention,participants are directed to alternate the first type beads 12 with thesecond type beads 14.

[0022] In an add sentiment instruction 56, participants are directed toexpress a wish or sentiment for the recipient. The add sentimentinstruction 56 operation includes expressing the wish or sentimentorally (optional) and in writing on the sentiment sheet 30. However, itis not necessary that these operations are accomplished at generally thesame time. In one embodiment of the invention, the participants aredirected to express a wish or sentiment orally at the occurrence of theadd sentiment instruction 56. Then, the sentiment sheet 30 is passedaround later, so that the participants can write down the sentiment 37at their leisure.

[0023] Following the add sentiment operation 56, the participant isdirected to pass the bracelet on to the next person in a pass braceletinstruction 58.

[0024] In the flow chart form of FIG. 4, it can be seen that a lastperson decision operation 60 directs that the above operations berepeated for each participant. After the last person has placed theirbead 12 or 14, then a host (for example, the parents or God parents, inthe case of a baptism) is directed to finish the operations. An exampleof instructions for finishing the operations will generally include adirective to place a special token, such as the charm 18 of the exampleof FIG. 1, onto the bead string 16. In the example here presented, thecharm 18 should be placed on the bead string 16 just after a first typebead 12, such that the charm 18 will be between two of the first typebeads 12 in the finished product.

[0025]FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic elevational view of a bracelet 70 such asmight be made according to the present inventive method. Now continuingwith a discussion of the finish bracelet instruction 62 of FIG. 4, afterthe charm 18 is placed on the bead string 16, the beads 12, 14 and thecharm 18 will then be centered on the bead string 16 and a doublefinishing knot 72 tied in the bead string 16. Excess bead string 16 acan then be trimmed off. It should be noted that the knot 22 will be cutoff along with the excess bead string 16 a.

[0026] An optional feature of the instruction sheet 50 is to providesizing instructions. For example, information as to how many beads arerequired to create a given size bracelet 70 could be provided. Ofcourse, this information will vary according to the exact size of thebeads 12 and 14 provided. One skilled in the art can easily determinethis information to add to the instruction sheet 50.

[0027] As discussed previously herein, if the sentiment sheet 30 has notalready been passed around to all participants in accordance with theadd sentiment instruction 56, then it should be passed to any remainingparticipants after the bracelet 70 is completed. The sentiment sheet 30can be framed, placed in a scrapbook or photo album, or the like. Thebracelet 70 can be saved for the recipient. One example for the use ofthe bracelet 70 is that, where the occasion is a baptism, and therecipient is a baby girl, the bracelet can be saved to be worn at therecipient's future wedding. In such an example, the kit could be calleda “baptism to wedding” set.

[0028] Various modifications may be made to the invention withoutaltering its value or scope. For example, different types and/orquantities of beads could be used. There might also be a greater orlesser quantity of different types of beads. Instead of a regularbracelet, the invention might be used to create an ankle bracelet, apin, a necklace, a ring, or the like. Also, it would be within the scopeof the invention to vary the order of the process, or add or deleteinstructions, while staying within the scope and intention of theinvention as described herein. It should be noted that the term “beads”has been used herein as a generic term for essentially any type oftrinket that might be strung upon the bead string 16, or the like.Charms, or other such devices or trinkets, could be used as “beads” toaccomplish the present invention. In an alternate embodiment, eachtrinket added to the keepsake is distinguishable from the othertrinkets, and each record on the sentiment sheet includes some indicia(e.g., a picture) corresponding to each particular trinket. In yetanother alternate embodiment, the trinkets interlock with one another,instead of being strung on the string. The interlocking trinkets canform a complete keepsake without the string, or the string can beattached to each end of a chain of interlocking trinkets to complete thekeepsake.

[0029] Additionally, the term “sentiment” is understood to include thespecific examples listed herein, as well as virtually any communicationfrom one of the participants to the intended recipient of the keepsake.The term “string” is interpreted to include, but not be limited to, suchitems as elastic, thread, metal wire, and so on.

[0030] All of the above are only some of the examples of availableembodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art willreadily observe that numerous other modifications and alterations may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, the disclosure herein is not intended as limiting and theappended claims are to be interpreted as encompassing the entire scopeof the invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0031] The inventive bracelet kit 10 is intended to be widely used inmany types of gatherings. Examples might be a birthday party, a get wellgathering, a retirement, a going away party, or a party honoring ateacher, a mother, a grandmother, or the like. Other such events mightbe a moving away party, a graduation, a slumber party, a boy scout orgirl scout gathering, a confirmation, a first communion party, a babyshower, a bridal shower, or a baptism. This list is intended torepresent the types of events at which the inventive bracelet kit 10might be used, but it is not exhaustive.

[0032] The inventive bracelet kit 10 will produce a unique and treasuredgift and a treasured keepsake through a process which is an entertainingactivity. Participants offer special thoughts or prayers for therecipient as they create the keepsake bracelet 70. The paper record (thesentiment sheet 30) of the event is suitable for framing or forplacement in a scrapbook.

[0033] Since the bracelet kit 10 of the present invention may be readilyproduced and integrated with existing party games and activities, andsince the advantages as described herein are provided, it is expectedthat it will be readily accepted. For these and other reasons, it isexpected that the utility and industrial applicability of the inventionwill be both significant in scope and long-lasting in duration.

I claim:
 1. A kit for creating a keepsake item, comprising: a pluralityof beads; a string for stringing the beads thereon; and a sentimentsheet for recording thereon sentiments.
 2. The kit of claim 1, wherein:one of the sentiments is recorded on the sentiment sheet correspondingto each of the beads that is strung on the string.
 3. The kit of claim1, and further including: an instruction sheet for directing users tostring the beads and further to record the sentiments on the sentimentsheet.
 4. The kit of claim 1, and further including: a bag forcontaining the beads and the string.
 5. The kit of claim 1, wherein: thebeads are strung on the string to create a bracelet.
 6. The kit of claim1, and further including: a charm for stringing on the string.
 7. Thekit of claim 1, wherein the plurality of beads includes: a firstplurality of a first type bead; and a second plurality of a second typebead.
 8. The kit of claim 7, wherein: the first type beads and thesecond type beads are strung alternately on the string.
 9. A method forcreating a bracelet, comprising: passing a plurality of beads among aplurality of participants; causing each participant to place one of thebeads on a string; and causing each participant to express a sentiment.10. The method of claim 9, wherein: the sentiments are recorded on asentiment sheet.
 11. The method of claim 9, and further including:placing a charm on the string.
 12. The method of claim 9, and furtherincluding; tying a finishing knot in the string.
 13. The method of claim9, wherein: each of said beads is unique with respect to the otherbeads; and the step of causing each participant to express a sentimentincludes causing each participant to record the sentiment in a recordincluding a unique identifier associated with the bead selected by therespective participant.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein: the beadsare passed among the participants in a bag; and each participant draws abead from the bag.
 15. A keepsake item, comprising: a plurality oftrinkets strung on a string; and a plurality of recorded sentiments;wherein each sentiment corresponds to one of the trinkets.
 16. Thekeepsake item of claim 15, wherein: the keepsake item is a bracelet. 17.The keepsake item of claim 15, wherein: the plurality of trinketsincludes a plurality of beads.
 18. The keepsake item of claim 17,wherein: the beads include a first plurality of a first type bead and asecond plurality of a second type bead.
 19. The keepsake item of claim15, wherein: each of a plurality of participants places a trinket on thestring; and each of the plurality of participants records a sentiment.20. The keepsake item of claim 19, wherein: the sentiments are recordedon a sentiment sheet.